The UK government has exposed 65 London businesses for failing to pay their staff the legally required National Minimum Wage, with one company owing nearly half a million pounds to thousands of workers.
Major Companies Among Offenders
In a significant crackdown on wage violations, the government has published its latest naming scheme, revealing that prominent businesses including Hugo Boss, Cineworld and even Havering Council were among those who short-changed their employees. The staffing agency Adecco UK topped London's shame list, having failed to pay £436,877.95 to 3,356 workers.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle stated firmly: "Every worker deserves a fair day's pay for a fair day's work, and this government will not tolerate rogue employers who short-change their staff."
Widespread Repayments and Penalties
Overall, the government has secured £6 million in repayments to approximately 42,000 workers across the UK. Nearly 500 employers nationwide received fines totalling £10.2 million for breaching National Minimum Wage laws.
The violations spanned diverse sectors, demonstrating that underpayment issues affect more than just traditional low-wage industries. The list included nurseries, pharmacies, a global law firm, and even a London borough council.
Notable London Cases
WGC Ltd, a multi-service company working with major hotel chains including Hilton, Radisson and Marriott, ranked second in London for underpayment violations. The company failed to pay £62,112.33 to 1,064 workers.
Fashion retailer Hugo Boss UK featured ninth on the London list, having underpaid 136 workers by £16,699.69. The City Pub Group in Westminster owed £45,182.95 to 88 employees, while Car Giant in Hammersmith and Fulham failed to pay £29,375.17 to 351 workers.
Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, emphasised the seriousness of these breaches: "Not only is it important for employers to pay the correct minimum wage rates, it is also the law. Failing to do so can result in grievances and potentially legal action, including costly employment tribunals, as well as being named and shamed."
The complete list was published in Round 22 of the government's National Minimum Wage Naming Scheme, covering businesses from multiple London boroughs across various industries.
